Monday, August 23, 2010
The Nottingham Ultra- Race Report
I was expecting to get soaked yesterday- the whole week had been on and off showers, so I thought I'd err on the side of caution and pack my waterproof, a warm fleece and my gloves...
This was a really local event for me- there was transport from Nottingham Castle to the start of the race at Blidworth, it took me 10 minutes to drive to the castle and a couple of minutes to find a parking space on a rather steep hill; I spent part of the day wondering whether the car would still be where I left it as the handbrake's a bit dodgy. I was undecided whether to take one of both water bottles, but compromised on one and a half in case I got lost!
We boarded the bus in glorious sunshine which I didn't expect to last. We disembarked at Blidworth Leisure Centre, registered and received colour map print outs of the route along with a goodie bag containing a smart towel. I saw Jen at the registration at Blidworth and chatted to another runner, Anita, who is doing the MdS next year. At 8:45 we went out into the sunshine and received a pre-race briefing from Rory, before we were off- 56 ultra runners... and me! We set off downhill and then immediately started to climb before entering the forest. As I expected, I soon fell behind, and although I expected to be last it was a little demoralising. Finally I decided to not try to catch up, but to go at my own pace, do my own thing and enjoy the day. I got my camera out and took the time to take a couple of shots of the forest.
I reached a road Rory warned us would be busy, and was quite chuffed when a family clapped and cheered me as I jogged past! The route had been marked with stickers and red and white tape, but Rory and Jen said that they had had to redo these in some areas as they had been removed.
The route entered Burntstump Country Park and I caught up with Anita at this point as we ran past the Park Hospital. The route crossed the A60 before crossing fields to Papplewick- I was feeling quite strong at this point so went ahead. It was really hot by now, which was quite unexpected and caught a few folks out I think.
The Approach To Papplewick
Until this point my camera had been in my pack, but I found that I really didn't want to stop and get it out to take photos- so in the interests of this blog I carried it in my hand for the rest of the race! Checkpoint one and Rory and Jen were at Papplewick- I grabbed a bottle of water, but didn't replenish my water bottles, which I was to regret later.
I left the checkpoint slightly ahead of Anita, expecting that she'd catch me up, and jogged down the road, being cheered on by Jen as she drove past! Here the route took a curve through a farm with donkeys in a field before skirting Bestwood Village.
Baby Donkey!!
As the route neared a lake in Bestwood Country Park, I realised that I was running out of water and cursed myself for not topping it up at Papplewick. I was also feeling slightly sick and very hot. I was still jogging fairly slowly at this point- I ran over a bridge and slowed to a walk as I realised that I was in for a bit of a climb. There were some youths fishing in the river- one shouted 'Don't stop running, you've still got 31 miles to go love'. I was tempted to shout back 'I'd like to see you do it- love!'
Bestwood County Park
I was feeling quite sick by this point and actually wondered whether I was going to throw up. Luckily checkpoint 2 was very near, and I gulped down some water and filled both bottles- I figured it wasn't going to get any cooler and I would rather carry more water than I needed. I was very aware that I should try to eat something, and pickd up a recovery bar, but it tasted so sweet I couldn't stomach more than a few bites. I was pleasantly surprised to see another runner at the checkpoint- Louise. She said that she had also felt very sick, and had had to stop for some time by the side of the road. We set off together and managed to miss a sign, so had to retrace our steps. We met up with Anita, and the three of us stuck together from that point, which was really nice. Louise is on the waiting list for next year's MdS.
The next part of the route was very pleasant, winding through woods to the golf course. We lost the route a little here and had to retrace our steps- I think red and white tape had been put out for some other event as well! I still felt a little dodgy and headachey and I think Louise did too, so I took a couple of painkillers. We were mainly walking at a good pace with a few jogs thrown in, taking advantage of the downhills. I was feeling much better now as the pain killers appeared to be doing their job and no longer felt sick. After crossing the motorway;
the route headed towards Giltbrook before turning back towards Kimberley.
Looking Towards Kimberley
We had left the Robin Hood Way at this point and unfortunately there were no signs or tape- presumably they had been removed. A path appeared to turn left and lead uphill, but I expressed concern that we hadn't yet gone far enough. Louise and Anita listened to me so we carried on and discovered I was wrong... oops! We managed to get to checkpoint 3 using the road, and were told that loads of people had taken various unplanned detours...
It was still roasting but luckily there was a bit of shade, and some life saving fruit cake- funnily enough it was just what I fancied and I ate three slices! Ironoc really... I spend most of my life wanting to eat and trying not to, and then found myself in the position of not wanting to eat and trying to make myself! Oh, the irony of ultra racing...
We set off again down to the A610, passing through a tunnel under the road, before a steep climb to Swingate. The route crossed the M1 for a second time, before winding past a canal and through Bramcote Hills to the massive bulk of the Hemstone and out fourth checkpoint.
The Hemstone
The checkpoint was just below, and we were told that two people had sadly had to drop out. I managed to put away two more slices of cake and some jelly babies, and we were off on the final leg. We were entering the City now, and then somehow managed to miss a sign, or it had been removed... but we ended up at the A52 and realised we had gone too far... we had quite a bit of road walking to get back on track! Louise had a Garmin and reckoned we ended up doing more than 31 miles!!
Eventually we were back on track and passed the QMC before heading towards the castle along the canal- the first glimpse of the castle was a welcome sight as my legs and feet had started to ache a couple of miles ago. The approach to the finish and the castle is a steep uphill- we managed a shambling jog to the finish which was a giant red inflatable. It was really great as there were lots of people sitting outside the pubs and cafes who were all cheering us in! Rory and Jen greeted us and gave us our medals- it was a lovely finish! Rory confirmed that this would now be an annual event, and I would definately do it again- hopefully I won't get lost next time!!! We finished in 9 hours 16 minutes and had brought up the rear- I had expected to come last so it was lovely to finish with Anita and Louise. It was a fantastic day all round- great support and organisation.
Robin Hood Statue At The Finish
I am aching today, but not too badly. I'm pleased I finished, but would like to be able to do it a bit quicker next year- back to the training!
This was a really local event for me- there was transport from Nottingham Castle to the start of the race at Blidworth, it took me 10 minutes to drive to the castle and a couple of minutes to find a parking space on a rather steep hill; I spent part of the day wondering whether the car would still be where I left it as the handbrake's a bit dodgy. I was undecided whether to take one of both water bottles, but compromised on one and a half in case I got lost!
We boarded the bus in glorious sunshine which I didn't expect to last. We disembarked at Blidworth Leisure Centre, registered and received colour map print outs of the route along with a goodie bag containing a smart towel. I saw Jen at the registration at Blidworth and chatted to another runner, Anita, who is doing the MdS next year. At 8:45 we went out into the sunshine and received a pre-race briefing from Rory, before we were off- 56 ultra runners... and me! We set off downhill and then immediately started to climb before entering the forest. As I expected, I soon fell behind, and although I expected to be last it was a little demoralising. Finally I decided to not try to catch up, but to go at my own pace, do my own thing and enjoy the day. I got my camera out and took the time to take a couple of shots of the forest.
I reached a road Rory warned us would be busy, and was quite chuffed when a family clapped and cheered me as I jogged past! The route had been marked with stickers and red and white tape, but Rory and Jen said that they had had to redo these in some areas as they had been removed.
The route entered Burntstump Country Park and I caught up with Anita at this point as we ran past the Park Hospital. The route crossed the A60 before crossing fields to Papplewick- I was feeling quite strong at this point so went ahead. It was really hot by now, which was quite unexpected and caught a few folks out I think.
Until this point my camera had been in my pack, but I found that I really didn't want to stop and get it out to take photos- so in the interests of this blog I carried it in my hand for the rest of the race! Checkpoint one and Rory and Jen were at Papplewick- I grabbed a bottle of water, but didn't replenish my water bottles, which I was to regret later.
I left the checkpoint slightly ahead of Anita, expecting that she'd catch me up, and jogged down the road, being cheered on by Jen as she drove past! Here the route took a curve through a farm with donkeys in a field before skirting Bestwood Village.
As the route neared a lake in Bestwood Country Park, I realised that I was running out of water and cursed myself for not topping it up at Papplewick. I was also feeling slightly sick and very hot. I was still jogging fairly slowly at this point- I ran over a bridge and slowed to a walk as I realised that I was in for a bit of a climb. There were some youths fishing in the river- one shouted 'Don't stop running, you've still got 31 miles to go love'. I was tempted to shout back 'I'd like to see you do it- love!'
I was feeling quite sick by this point and actually wondered whether I was going to throw up. Luckily checkpoint 2 was very near, and I gulped down some water and filled both bottles- I figured it wasn't going to get any cooler and I would rather carry more water than I needed. I was very aware that I should try to eat something, and pickd up a recovery bar, but it tasted so sweet I couldn't stomach more than a few bites. I was pleasantly surprised to see another runner at the checkpoint- Louise. She said that she had also felt very sick, and had had to stop for some time by the side of the road. We set off together and managed to miss a sign, so had to retrace our steps. We met up with Anita, and the three of us stuck together from that point, which was really nice. Louise is on the waiting list for next year's MdS.
The next part of the route was very pleasant, winding through woods to the golf course. We lost the route a little here and had to retrace our steps- I think red and white tape had been put out for some other event as well! I still felt a little dodgy and headachey and I think Louise did too, so I took a couple of painkillers. We were mainly walking at a good pace with a few jogs thrown in, taking advantage of the downhills. I was feeling much better now as the pain killers appeared to be doing their job and no longer felt sick. After crossing the motorway;
the route headed towards Giltbrook before turning back towards Kimberley.
We had left the Robin Hood Way at this point and unfortunately there were no signs or tape- presumably they had been removed. A path appeared to turn left and lead uphill, but I expressed concern that we hadn't yet gone far enough. Louise and Anita listened to me so we carried on and discovered I was wrong... oops! We managed to get to checkpoint 3 using the road, and were told that loads of people had taken various unplanned detours...
It was still roasting but luckily there was a bit of shade, and some life saving fruit cake- funnily enough it was just what I fancied and I ate three slices! Ironoc really... I spend most of my life wanting to eat and trying not to, and then found myself in the position of not wanting to eat and trying to make myself! Oh, the irony of ultra racing...
We set off again down to the A610, passing through a tunnel under the road, before a steep climb to Swingate. The route crossed the M1 for a second time, before winding past a canal and through Bramcote Hills to the massive bulk of the Hemstone and out fourth checkpoint.
The checkpoint was just below, and we were told that two people had sadly had to drop out. I managed to put away two more slices of cake and some jelly babies, and we were off on the final leg. We were entering the City now, and then somehow managed to miss a sign, or it had been removed... but we ended up at the A52 and realised we had gone too far... we had quite a bit of road walking to get back on track! Louise had a Garmin and reckoned we ended up doing more than 31 miles!!
Eventually we were back on track and passed the QMC before heading towards the castle along the canal- the first glimpse of the castle was a welcome sight as my legs and feet had started to ache a couple of miles ago. The approach to the finish and the castle is a steep uphill- we managed a shambling jog to the finish which was a giant red inflatable. It was really great as there were lots of people sitting outside the pubs and cafes who were all cheering us in! Rory and Jen greeted us and gave us our medals- it was a lovely finish! Rory confirmed that this would now be an annual event, and I would definately do it again- hopefully I won't get lost next time!!! We finished in 9 hours 16 minutes and had brought up the rear- I had expected to come last so it was lovely to finish with Anita and Louise. It was a fantastic day all round- great support and organisation.
I am aching today, but not too badly. I'm pleased I finished, but would like to be able to do it a bit quicker next year- back to the training!
Labels: Nottingham Ultra
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
I'm Still Alive!!
Just!! Really must update more...
I have the Nottingham Ultra this Sunday- 50K starting in Blidworth and following the Robin Hood Way to finish at Nottingham Castle. Transport to the start from the castle is included. I would be looking forwards to it, but am suffering from the usual lack of training blues... I don't really feel as though I have done all that much.
Although I have been to the gym and I have been out; I went to Wells-Next-The-Sea for the weekend 7th to 8th August and didn't do much beyond the odd potter down to Wells and on the beach (I did run on the sand with Jake so that counts!). Luckily I booked a couple of days off work, so made up for it by doing a 15 mile walk/ run to Radcliffe-on-Trent and Shelford on Tuesday and a good gym session on Monday.
This weekend I went out for a 12 mile walk/ run Saturday and a yomp round my old stomping ground, Bradgate Park, before descending on mum for tea. Typical though- just because I had decided not to take a camera with me, a red deer stag bounded in front of me and posed for what would have been a great photo- sigh...
Does anyone else get those times in their lives when the motivation to train just isn't there? I will give it my best in Sunday, and at least there is no time limit, but I suspect that I will be last...
... in the meantime here are a couple of pics of my couple of days in Wells;
Rainbows And Boats
Dragonfly At Titchwell- A Ruddy Darter Apparently
Titchwell Nature Reserve
Gemma On The Beach
Jake- Sea And Shadows
I have the Nottingham Ultra this Sunday- 50K starting in Blidworth and following the Robin Hood Way to finish at Nottingham Castle. Transport to the start from the castle is included. I would be looking forwards to it, but am suffering from the usual lack of training blues... I don't really feel as though I have done all that much.
Although I have been to the gym and I have been out; I went to Wells-Next-The-Sea for the weekend 7th to 8th August and didn't do much beyond the odd potter down to Wells and on the beach (I did run on the sand with Jake so that counts!). Luckily I booked a couple of days off work, so made up for it by doing a 15 mile walk/ run to Radcliffe-on-Trent and Shelford on Tuesday and a good gym session on Monday.
This weekend I went out for a 12 mile walk/ run Saturday and a yomp round my old stomping ground, Bradgate Park, before descending on mum for tea. Typical though- just because I had decided not to take a camera with me, a red deer stag bounded in front of me and posed for what would have been a great photo- sigh...
Does anyone else get those times in their lives when the motivation to train just isn't there? I will give it my best in Sunday, and at least there is no time limit, but I suspect that I will be last...
... in the meantime here are a couple of pics of my couple of days in Wells;
Labels: Nottingham Ultra, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Not Been A Great Week...
I have been quite ill this week so haven't really done anything from Tuesday night onwards...
Sunday was the Race For Life at the Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. I had never done this before as it seems a little cheeky asking people to sponsor me for running 3 miles when I got all that sponsorship for MdS, but mum and sis Katie wanted to do it so I agreed to do it with them.
The weather was perfect- sunny and dry, but not too warm. There were literally thousands of participants, mostly dressed in pink Most people had a pink square detailing names of loved ones they had lost to cancer, or who are currently battling the disease, it was quite humbling.
We were given a mass warm up before the 'off' and set off around the lake- I guessed that the route would be a circuit of the Regatta Lake and I was correct. We walked mostly, although mum did manage a few jogs, and crossed the line in 48 minutes 15 seconds which she was happy with- she now says she has a PB to beat!! As we were nearly finishing we could still see loads and loads of people behind us, I think it must have taken some folks quite a time to pass the Start line. Here are a few pics;
Katie, Mum And Me
At The Head Of The Lake
Looking Back
After The Finish!
Tuesday night was the night I had chosen to do the 'Gym For Heroes' challenge at the gym- 1 hour on the rower, 1 hour on the stationary bike and 1 hour on either the treadmill or elliptical, with monies raised going towards 'Help For Heroes'. Although I had got some sponsorship, I hadn't taken this that seriously and had 'panic trained' the Sunday before by going on the rower for 20 minutes and the bike for 30 minutes. I was rather sore in, um, certain areas next day and seriously considered taking a cushion in!!
The event wasn't too bad in the end... the rower was the worst, mainly because it was boring, although I did get to watch a spin class. At one point it felt as though the nerves down the back of both legs were being trapped, but I put a spurt on at the end and managed 8,000 metres. One of the gym staff was doing the challenge too, and another was doing the 12 hour challenge- he must have been mad or very fit or both!! His wife, who had done the 3 hour challenge on Sunday, was supporting him and was also very supportive of me, cycling and running with me and generally keeping my spirits up which was really nice of her.
The bike seemed fairly easy, I kept the resistance light and pedalled quite fast, managing 20 miles and watching Eastenders. My legs felt a little wobbly afterwards, and it was an effort to get going on the treadmill. I could have walked my hour on the treadmill, but that would have been too easy, so decided I'd run for the hour. I had mentally set myself a 5 mile target- the last 20 minutes was really tough. We had been provided with special t-shirts to wear, but they weren't technical ones so mine was absolutely soaked through at that point- I could wring it out! Ross finished his 12 hour challenge, and then I heard my name being announced over the tannoy (luckily the gym wasn't busy!!) so that gave me a little spurt of extra energy!
I managed 5 miles on the rower, 20 on the bike and 5 on the treadmill, so am happy with that, especially as I didn't really do any special training for it.
Next day I woke up with a headache- I assumed it was dehydration, and would go off if I drank plenty of water. It didn't- it got worse, to the point where nothing I did would relieve it, and I spent the morning and most of the afternoon throwing up! I don't think it was the challenge- I have done loads of physical stuff and nothing has ever made me physically sick, so I am convinced it was a bug of some sort. I have not felt that ill for absolutely ages- I am still not feeling 100% now- so am giving myself a few days rest from training.
Not for too long though- I have entered the Nottingham Ultra on 22nd August. This is a 50k race from Sherwood Forest to Nottingham Castle and is so local it would have been rude not to enter!
Sunday was the Race For Life at the Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. I had never done this before as it seems a little cheeky asking people to sponsor me for running 3 miles when I got all that sponsorship for MdS, but mum and sis Katie wanted to do it so I agreed to do it with them.
The weather was perfect- sunny and dry, but not too warm. There were literally thousands of participants, mostly dressed in pink Most people had a pink square detailing names of loved ones they had lost to cancer, or who are currently battling the disease, it was quite humbling.
We were given a mass warm up before the 'off' and set off around the lake- I guessed that the route would be a circuit of the Regatta Lake and I was correct. We walked mostly, although mum did manage a few jogs, and crossed the line in 48 minutes 15 seconds which she was happy with- she now says she has a PB to beat!! As we were nearly finishing we could still see loads and loads of people behind us, I think it must have taken some folks quite a time to pass the Start line. Here are a few pics;
Tuesday night was the night I had chosen to do the 'Gym For Heroes' challenge at the gym- 1 hour on the rower, 1 hour on the stationary bike and 1 hour on either the treadmill or elliptical, with monies raised going towards 'Help For Heroes'. Although I had got some sponsorship, I hadn't taken this that seriously and had 'panic trained' the Sunday before by going on the rower for 20 minutes and the bike for 30 minutes. I was rather sore in, um, certain areas next day and seriously considered taking a cushion in!!
The event wasn't too bad in the end... the rower was the worst, mainly because it was boring, although I did get to watch a spin class. At one point it felt as though the nerves down the back of both legs were being trapped, but I put a spurt on at the end and managed 8,000 metres. One of the gym staff was doing the challenge too, and another was doing the 12 hour challenge- he must have been mad or very fit or both!! His wife, who had done the 3 hour challenge on Sunday, was supporting him and was also very supportive of me, cycling and running with me and generally keeping my spirits up which was really nice of her.
The bike seemed fairly easy, I kept the resistance light and pedalled quite fast, managing 20 miles and watching Eastenders. My legs felt a little wobbly afterwards, and it was an effort to get going on the treadmill. I could have walked my hour on the treadmill, but that would have been too easy, so decided I'd run for the hour. I had mentally set myself a 5 mile target- the last 20 minutes was really tough. We had been provided with special t-shirts to wear, but they weren't technical ones so mine was absolutely soaked through at that point- I could wring it out! Ross finished his 12 hour challenge, and then I heard my name being announced over the tannoy (luckily the gym wasn't busy!!) so that gave me a little spurt of extra energy!
I managed 5 miles on the rower, 20 on the bike and 5 on the treadmill, so am happy with that, especially as I didn't really do any special training for it.
Next day I woke up with a headache- I assumed it was dehydration, and would go off if I drank plenty of water. It didn't- it got worse, to the point where nothing I did would relieve it, and I spent the morning and most of the afternoon throwing up! I don't think it was the challenge- I have done loads of physical stuff and nothing has ever made me physically sick, so I am convinced it was a bug of some sort. I have not felt that ill for absolutely ages- I am still not feeling 100% now- so am giving myself a few days rest from training.
Not for too long though- I have entered the Nottingham Ultra on 22nd August. This is a 50k race from Sherwood Forest to Nottingham Castle and is so local it would have been rude not to enter!
Labels: gym for heroes, Nottingham Ultra, Race for Life
